Implantable adjunct systems for determining adjunct skew

ABSTRACT

An implantable adjunct for use with a surgical stapling instrument is provided. The implantable adjunct comprises means for allowing a clinician to determine the degree of skew, if any, that the adjunct may experience when implanted into a subject with a surgical stapling instrument. The implantable adjunct comprises one or more reference systems configured to be compared to the staples, the edges of the adjunct, and/or any other adjunct elements by a clinician once the adjunct has been implanted into the subject. The one or more reference systems comprise references that define one or more zones of the adjunct. A clinician can visually determine what zone, or zones, of the adjunct the staples have satisfactorily, and/or unsatisfactorily, purchased the adjunct.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application claiming priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/404,196, entitled IMPLANTABLE ADJUNCT SYSTEMS FOR DETERMINING ADJUNCT SKEW, filed May 6, 2019, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020/0030050, which is a continuation application claiming priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/865,306, entitled IMPLANTABLE ADJUNCT SYSTEMS FOR DETERMINING ADJUNCT SKEW, filed Sep. 25, 2015, which issued on May 28, 2019 as U.S. Pat. No. 10,299,878, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

Currently, there are several methods utilized for holding an implantable adjunct on a staple cartridge and/or an anvil of a surgical stapling instrument before the surgical stapling instrument is fired. However, after the surgical stapling instrument is fired and the implantable adjunct is implanted against the tissue by a plurality of staples, the clinician may or may not be able to determine whether the implantable adjunct became misaligned, or skew, with respect to the staple cartridge during manipulation, positioning, and/or firing of the instrument. Presently, the clinician simply looks at the implanted adjunct to estimate whether the adjunct was properly captured by the staples or not. As such, there is a need for being able to clearly determine if the adjunct was properly captured by the staples. The foregoing discussion is intended only to illustrate various aspects of the related art in the field of the invention at the time, and should not be taken as a disavowal of claim scope.

SUMMARY

The present invention is directed toward an implantable adjunct for use with a surgical stapling instrument. The implantable adjunct is intended to be implanted into a subject using a surgical stapling instrument. A plurality of staples are configured to be fired from the surgical instrument to fasten tissue and implant the adjunct. The adjunct comprises a reference system for visually amplifying the position of the staples relative to the implantable adjunct once the staples have been fired. The foregoing discussion is intended only to illustrate certain aspects of the invention, and should not be taken as a disavowal of claim scope.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various features of the embodiments described herein are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The various embodiments, however, both as to organization and methods of operation, together with advantages thereof, may be understood in accordance with the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings as follows:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an end effector system in accordance with at least one embodiment comprising a first jaw, a second jaw, and an implantable adjunct comprising a first reference system;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the implantable adjunct and the first reference system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the first jaw, the implantable adjunct, and the first reference system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a top view of the implantable adjunct and the first reference system of FIG. 1, wherein the tissue and the adjunct are purchased by a plurality of staples according to a first scenario;

FIG. 5 is a top view of the implantable adjunct and the first reference system of FIG. 1, wherein the tissue and the adjunct are purchased by a plurality of staples according to a second scenario;

FIG. 6 is a top view of an implantable adjunct comprising a second reference system in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an implantable adjunct comprising a third reference system in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side view of the implantable adjunct of FIG. 7 positioned on the first jaw of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a top view of the implantable adjunct of FIG. 7, wherein the tissue and the adjunct are purchased by a plurality of staples according to a first scenario;

FIG. 10 is a top view of the implantable adjunct of FIG. 7, wherein the tissue and the adjunct are purchased by a plurality of staples according to a second scenario;

FIG. 11 is a top view of the implantable adjunct of FIG. 7 and a partial outline of the end effector system of FIG. 1 before the implantable adjunct is implanted;

FIGS. 11A-11C are top views of the implantable adjunct of FIG. 7 illustrating multiple implantation scenarios;

FIG. 12 is a top view of an implantable adjunct in accordance with at least one embodiment comprising a first woven reference system;

FIG. 13 is a top view of an implantable adjunct in accordance with at least one embodiment comprising a second woven reference system; and

FIG. 14 is a top view of an implantable adjunct in accordance with at least one embodiment.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out herein illustrate various embodiments of the invention, in one form, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The Applicant of the present application also owns the U.S. Patent Applications identified below which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

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U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/894,338, entitled IMPLANTABLE FASTENER CARTRIDGE HAVING A NON-UNIFORM ARRANGEMENT; now U.S. Pat. No. 8,864,007;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/894,369, entitled IMPLANTABLE FASTENER CARTRIDGE COMPRISING A SUPPORT RETAINER; now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0080344;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/894,312, entitled IMPLANTABLE FASTENER CARTRIDGE COMPRISING MULTIPLE LAYERS; now U.S. Pat. No. 8,925,782;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/894,377, entitled SELECTIVELY ORIENTABLE IMPLANTABLE FASTENER CARTRIDGE; now U.S. Pat. No. 8,393,514;

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U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/894,322, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT WITH INTERCHANGEABLE STAPLE CARTRIDGE ARRANGEMENTS; now U.S. Pat. No. 8,740,034;

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U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/894,389, entitled COMPRESSIBLE FASTENER CARTRIDGE; now U.S. Pat. No. 8,740,037;

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U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/187,395, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE INCLUDING A BARBED STAPLE, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0166725;

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U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/187,383, entitled IMPLANTABLE LAYERS AND METHODS FOR ALTERING IMPLANTABLE LAYERS FOR USE WITH SURGICAL FASTENING INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,839,422;

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U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/187,390, entitled IMPLANTABLE LAYERS AND METHODS FOR MODIFYING THE SHAPE OF THE IMPLANTABLE LAYERS FOR USE WITH A SURGICAL FASTENING INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,839,423;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/187,389, entitled IMPLANTABLE LAYER ASSEMBLIES, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,757,124;

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U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/827,907, entitled IMPLANTABLE LAYERS FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,617,418; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/827,932, entitled IMPLANTABLE LAYERS FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0049448.

Numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the overall structure, function, manufacture, and use of the embodiments as described in the specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It will be understood by those skilled in the art, however, that the embodiments may be practiced without such specific details. In other instances, well-known operations, components, and elements have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments described in the specification. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the embodiments described and illustrated herein are non-limiting examples, and thus it can be appreciated that the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein may be representative and illustrative. Variations and changes thereto may be made without departing from the scope of the claims.

The terms “comprise” (and any form of comprise, such as “comprises” and “comprising”), “have” (and any form of have, such as “has” and “having”), “include” (and any form of include, such as “includes” and “including”) and “contain” (and any form of contain, such as “contains” and “containing”) are open-ended linking verbs. As a result, a surgical system, device, or apparatus that “comprises,” “has,” “includes” or “contains” one or more elements possesses those one or more elements, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more elements. Likewise, an element of a system, device, or apparatus that “comprises,” “has,” “includes” or “contains” one or more features possesses those one or more features, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more features.

The terms “proximal” and “distal” are used herein with reference to a clinician manipulating the handle portion of the surgical instrument. The term “proximal” referring to the portion closest to the clinician and the term “distal” referring to the portion located away from the clinician. It will be further appreciated that, for convenience and clarity, spatial terms such as “vertical”, “horizontal”, “up”, and “down” may be used herein with respect to the drawings. However, surgical instruments are used in many orientations and positions, and these terms are not intended to be limiting and/or absolute.

Various exemplary devices and methods are provided for performing laparoscopic and minimally invasive surgical procedures. However, the person of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that the various methods and devices disclosed herein can be used in numerous surgical procedures and applications including, for example, in connection with open surgical procedures. As the present Detailed Description proceeds, those of ordinary skill in the art will further appreciate that the various instruments disclosed herein can be inserted into a body in any way, such as through a natural orifice, through an incision or puncture hole formed in tissue, etc. The working portions or end effector portions of the instruments can be inserted directly into a patient's body or can be inserted through an access device that has a working channel through which the end effector and elongated shaft of a surgical instrument can be advanced.

Many of the above-listed patent applications disclose various layers which are used in connection with a staple cartridge. When staples are deployed from the staple cartridge, the staples can capture at least one layer and implant the layer, or layers, against the tissue. Provided below is a brief description of a surgical stapling system. The staple cartridges and the layers disclosed herein can be used with this surgical stapling system and/or any suitable stapling system.

A surgical stapling system can comprise a shaft and an end effector extending from the shaft. The end effector comprises a first jaw and a second jaw. The first jaw comprises a staple cartridge. The staple cartridge is insertable into and removable from the first jaw; however, other embodiments are envisioned in which a staple cartridge is not removable from, or at least readily replaceable from, the first jaw. The second jaw comprises an anvil configured to deform staples ejected from the staple cartridge. The second jaw is pivotable relative to the first jaw about a closure axis; however, other embodiments are envisioned in which first jaw is pivotable relative to the second jaw. The surgical stapling system further comprises an articulation joint configured to permit the end effector to be rotated, or articulated, relative to the shaft. The end effector is rotatable about an articulation axis extending through the articulation joint. Other embodiments are envisioned which do not include an articulation joint.

The staple cartridge comprises a cartridge body. The cartridge body includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a deck extending between the proximal end and the distal end. In use, the staple cartridge is positioned on a first side of the tissue to be stapled and the anvil is positioned on a second side of the tissue. The anvil is moved toward the staple cartridge to compress and clamp the tissue against the deck. Thereafter, staples removably stored in the cartridge body can be deployed into the tissue. The cartridge body includes staple cavities defined therein wherein staples are removably stored in the staple cavities. The staple cavities are arranged in six longitudinal rows. Three rows of staple cavities are positioned on a first side of a longitudinal slot and three rows of staple cavities are positioned on a second side of the longitudinal slot. Other arrangements of staple cavities and staples may be possible.

The staples are supported by staple drivers in the cartridge body. The drivers are movable between a first, or unfired position, and a second, or fired, position to eject the staples from the staple cavities. The drivers are retained in the cartridge body by a retainer which extends around the bottom of the cartridge body and includes resilient members configured to grip the cartridge body and hold the retainer to the cartridge body. The drivers are movable between their unfired positions and their fired positions by a sled. The sled is movable between a proximal position adjacent the proximal end and a distal position adjacent the distal end. The sled comprises a plurality of ramped surfaces configured to slide under the drivers and lift the drivers, and the staples supported thereon, toward the anvil.

Further to the above, the sled is moved distally by a firing member. The firing member is configured to contact the sled and push the sled toward the distal end. The longitudinal slot defined in the cartridge body is configured to receive the firing member. The anvil also includes a slot configured to receive the firing member. The firing member further comprises a first cam which engages the first jaw and a second cam which engages the second jaw. As the firing member is advanced distally, the first cam and the second cam can control the distance, or tissue gap, between the deck of the staple cartridge and the anvil. The firing member also comprises a knife configured to incise the tissue captured intermediate the staple cartridge and the anvil. It is desirable for the knife to be positioned at least partially proximal to the ramped surfaces such that the staples are ejected ahead of the knife.

An implantable adjunct, or layer, disclosed herein comprises means for allowing a clinician to determine the degree of skew, if any, that the adjunct experiences when implanted against the tissue of a patient by a surgical stapling instrument. The implantable adjunct comprises one or more reference systems configured to assist a clinician in assessing the position of the staples in the adjunct once the adjunct has been implanted into the subject by the staples. The reference systems are positioned on and/or in the adjunct to correspond to features of the stapling instrument. Moreover, the one or more reference systems further define different zones of the adjunct. Once the adjunct is purchased, or captured, by the staples, a clinician can easily determine what zone, or zones, of the adjunct the staples have satisfactorily, and/or unsatisfactorily, captured.

An implantable adjunct disclosed herein may comprise different zones defined by one or more reference systems. The clinician is able to see the different zones to more easily distinguish the position of the formed staples relative to the edges of the adjunct, the formed staple rows, and/or the reference systems of the adjunct. In various embodiments, the one or more reference systems and/or zones are used to determine if the implantable adjunct experienced lateral and/or longitudinal skew after being implanted with the surgical instrument by comparing the position of the formed staples relative to the one or more reference systems and determining what zone, or zones, of the adjunct that the formed staples purchased the adjunct. Once a clinician can see what zones of the adjunct that the staples have captured, the clinician can determine the quality of the staple purchase and further decide if, and what, further action may be necessary.

An end effector assembly, or system, 100 is depicted in FIG. 1. The end effector assembly 100 comprises a first jaw 101, a second jaw 103, and an implantable adjunct 120. The first jaw 101 comprises a staple cartridge 130 and a cartridge channel 150. The staple cartridge 130 comprises a cartridge pan 140 which is configured to hold a plurality of staple drivers, which support a plurality of staples 132, and a sled in the staple cartridge 130. The cartridge channel 150 is configured to house the staple cartridge 130 and is operably coupled to the end effector assembly 100. The staple cartridge 130 is readily removable from the first jaw 101 and can be replaced with another staple cartridge. Other embodiments are envisioned in which the staple cartridge 130 is not readily removable from the first jaw 101. The second jaw 103 comprises an anvil 110 which comprises a staple forming surface 113. The staple forming surface 113 comprises a plurality of forming pockets configured to deform the staples 132. The second jaw 103 is rotatable relative to the first jaw 101 and, thus, the anvil 110 is rotatable relative to the staple cartridge 130; however, certain embodiments are envisioned in which the staple cartridge 130 is rotatable relative to the anvil 110.

The staple cartridge 130 comprises a cartridge body 139 including a cartridge deck 135, a plurality of staple cavities 131 defined in the cartridge body 139 and configured to store the plurality of staples 132 and/or any other suitable fastener therein, and a longitudinal slot 137 configured to receive a cutting member 160. The cartridge body 139 comprises a proximal end portion 139P, a distal end portion 139D, and outer lateral edges 138. The cutting member 160 is configured to traverse the slot 137 from the proximal end portion 139P to the distal end portion 139D to push the sled distally and drive the staples 132 toward the staple forming surface 113 at which point the staple forming surface 113 deforms the staples 132.

The staple cavities 131 and staples 132 stored in the staple cavities 131 are arranged in a plurality of longitudinal rows on each side of the slot 137. On one side of the slot 137, the plurality of rows comprises an inner row of staple cavities 131C positioned adjacent to and laterally outward with respect to the slot 137, an outer row of staple cavities 131A positioned adjacent to and laterally inward with respect to the outer lateral edge 138 of the staple cartridge 130, and an intermediate row of staple cavities 131B positioned between the outer row of staple cavities 131A and the inner row of staple cavities 131C. In other words, the inner rows of staple cavities 131C are nearest the slot 137, the outer rows of staple cavities 131A are nearest the cartridge edges, and, on each side of the slot 137, the intermediate rows of staple cavities 131B are intermediate the inner row of staple cavities 131C and the outer row of staple cavities 131A. The staple cavities 131 also comprise proximal staple cavities near the proximal end portion 139P of the cartridge body 139 which define a proximal purchase datum PPD and distal staple cavities near the distal end portion 139D of the cartridge body 139 which define a distal purchase datum DPD.

Turning now to FIGS. 2-5, the implantable adjunct 120 comprises outer adjunct edges 122, a tissue-contacting surface 124 facing the staple forming surface 113 of the anvil 110 when attached to the staple cartridge 130, a deck-contacting surface 121 facing the deck 137, and a reference system 123. The reference system 123 is visible at least on the deck-contacting surface 121 of the implantable adjunct 120. Other embodiments are envisioned where the implantable adjunct 120 is attached to the anvil 110, and/or staple forming surface 113, of the surgical instrument, and, in this case, the reference system 123 would be visible on an anvil-contacting surface facing the staple forming surface 113. The adjunct 120 can be releasably retained to the cartridge deck 137 of the staple cartridge 130 or the staple forming surface 113 by any suitable means such as straps, adhesive, pins, a snap-fit connection, and/or VELCRO, for example.

The reference system 123 comprises outer lateral references 125 and inner lateral references 126. The location of the references 125, 126 correspond to the staple cavities 131, the outer edges 138 of the staple cartridge 130, and the slot 137 of the staple cartridge 130. The outer lateral references 125 are positioned laterally outward (toward the outer edges 138 of the staple cartridge 130) with respect to the outer rows of staple cavities 131A and laterally inward (toward the slot 137) with respect to the outer edges 138 of the staple cartridge 130. The inner lateral references 126 are positioned laterally outward (toward the outer edges 138 of the staple cartridge 130) with respect to the slot 137 and laterally inward (toward the slot 137) with respect to the inner rows of staple cavities 131C.

The inner lateral references 126 and the outer lateral references 125 can act as a reference, or target indicator, for the clinician to analyze after firing the surgical stapling instrument. To aid the clinician in determining the quality of the staple purchase, the inner lateral references 126 and the outer lateral references 125 define a first zone 127A and a second zone 127B. The first zone 127A comprises the area, and/or volume, of the adjunct 120 between the inner lateral references 126 and the outer lateral references 125. The second zone 127B comprises the area, and/or volume, of the adjunct 120 between the inner lateral references 126 as well as, the area, and/or volume, of the adjunct 120 disposed laterally outward (toward the outer edges 138 of the staple cartridge 130) of the outer lateral references 125.

In FIG. 4, a first scenario is illustrated where the implantable adjunct 120 and tissue T have been secured by the staples 132. The adjunct 120 and the tissue T have been incised at least substantially along the intended cut-line CL. The adjunct 120 and the tissue T have been secured by multiple rows of staples comprising outer rows of staples 132A, intermediate rows of staples 132B, and inner rows of staples 132C which correspond to the rows of staple cavities 131A, 131B, 131C, respectively. This first scenario comprises a situation where all of the staples 132 have captured the adjunct 120 in the first zone 127A. In such a scenario, a clinician can visually identify that all of the staples 132 have captured the adjunct 120 in the first zone 127A. Moreover, the reference system 123 also permits the clinician to easily determine that none of the staples 132 captured the adjunct 120 in the second zone 127B. Based on these observations, the clinician can be assured that none of the staples 132 missed, or failed to capture, the adjunct 120. In addition, the clinician can be assured that none of the staples 132 captured the adjunct 120 in an area which may be too close to the edge 122 of the adjunct 120, for example, or in an area which may not provide an optimal securement of the tissue T.

In FIG. 5, a second scenario is illustrated where the adjunct 120 was not incised along the intended cut-line CL of the adjunct 120. Rather, in this second scenario, the adjunct 120 was skewed laterally before it was implanted and was incised along an actual cut-line CL′. Unlike the first scenario shown in FIG. 4, the adjunct 120 was only captured by some of the staples 132. In this second scenario, some of the staples 132 captured the adjunct in the first zone 127A, some of the staples 132 captured the adjunct 120 in the second zone 127B, some of the staples 132 captured the adjunct 120 in both the first zone 127A and the second zone 127B, and some of the staples 132 did not capture the adjunct 120 at all. In such a situation, a clinician can visibly identify, using the reference system 123, that some of the staples 132 have purchased, or captured, the adjunct 120 in the second zone 127B and that some of the staples 132 have missed the adjunct 120 entirely. Being able to easily identify the precise location of the formed staples 132 relative to the edges 122 of the adjunct 120 allows the clinician to determine that the quality of purchase of the staples 132 in the second zone 127B may be less than that of the quality of purchase of the staples 132 in the first zone 127A. This information, easily identifiable using the zones 127A, 127B and the references 125, 126, helps the clinician determine whether further action is necessary.

The reference system 123 in FIG. 5 visually amplifies the position of the formed staples 132 relative to the references 125, 126 of the reference system 123. The references 125, 126 are at least substantially parallel to the formed staple rows 132A, 132B, 132C. In certain instances, a clinician can also determine whether the zones 127A, 127B may be misaligned with the staple rows 132A, 132B, 132C when the references 125, 126 are not at least substantially parallel to the staple rows 132A, 132B, 132C since the staples are formed in at least substantially straight lines in this example.

In various embodiments, the second zone 127B discussed above comprises an outer zone and a cut-line zone. The outer zone comprises the area of the second zone 127B positioned laterally outward with respect to the outer lateral references 125. The cut-line zone comprises the area of the second zone 127B that the cutting member 160 of the surgical instrument is intended to incise. In this example, the cut-line zone comprises the area of the second zone 127B found between the inner lateral references 126. In some instances, a clinician may view the staples 132 that capture the adjunct 120 in the cut-line zone as requiring a closer inspection than the staples 132 that capture the adjunct 120 in the outer zone. This is due to the fact that the staples 132 near the cut-line zone are in close proximity to the newly incised tissue. The clinician may see the staples 132 in the cut-line zone as a higher risk in terms of tissue ligation, or joining, because of the newly incised tissue in this area. Moreover, it may be more important to have a higher quality staple purchase near the intended cut-line CL, or in the cut-line zone altogether, than the outer zone.

In addition, the form of the staples may be affected if the adjunct 120 becomes skewed before it is stapled. For instance, a desired staple form may be a B-form, a bow-tie form, or a box form, for example, and, if the staples only catch an edge of the adjunct 120 and/or miss the adjunct 120 entirely, the staples may not form in the desired manner. The surgeon can use the reference system to look for staples that may have assumed a different staple form than what was intended.

In various embodiments, the reference systems disclosed herein may comprise different colors, for example. Different color zones aid the clinician in more easily determining where the cutting member 160, or knife, of the surgical instrument incised the implantable adjunct 120 in a desired location. For example, the cut-line zone of the second zone 127B, discussed above, may comprise a first color such as yellow and the first zone 127A may comprise a second color such as blue. The colors may be any suitable colors. In the event that the cutting member 160 incises the first zone 127A of the adjunct 120, for example, the cutting member 160 at least partially transects the yellow and the blue zones and a clinician would be able to visually distinguish, using the contrast of colors, where the cutting member 160 incised the adjunct 120. Moreover, this reference system, along with the other reference systems disclosed herein, can show if the adjunct on the staple cartridge was skewed with respect to the staple lines of the staple cartridge when the staple cartridge was inserted into and/or manipulated within the surgical site. Many of such reference systems will only be visible after the staples have been fired and the end effector has been unclamped from the tissue. At such a point, a surgeon can utilize the reference systems to see if the appropriate zones in the adjunct are, or are not, aligned with the staple lines and determine the impact, if any, when the adjunct has been shifted relative to the staple lines and if any further corrective actions are required.

FIG. 6 depicts another reference system 223 employed with an implantable adjunct 220. The reference system 223 is similar to the reference system 123 in many respects, however, the reference system 223, visible at least on a deck-contacting surface 221, comprises only one inner lateral reference 226. The inner lateral reference 226 is aligned with, or at least substantially aligned with, the intended cut-line CL. The reference system 223 further comprises outer lateral references 225 arranged similarly to that of the outer lateral references 125 discussed above. The reference system 223 defines a first zone 227A and a second zone 227B. The first zone 227A comprises the area, and/or volume, of the adjunct 220 located between the outer lateral references 225 and is intended to be split, divided, and/or bifurcated along the intended cut-line CL by the cutting member 160, for example. The second zone 227B comprises the remaining area, and/or volume, of the adjunct 220 located laterally outward (toward the edges 122) of the outer lateral references 225. The inner lateral reference 226 is configured to be incised, and, if the adjunct 220 does not shift relative to the cartridge 130 during the stapling procedure, the inner lateral reference 226 will be incised completely. In some instances, a clinician may not be able to see the inner lateral reference 226 if no lateral skew has occurred because the inner lateral reference 226 was entirely incised. Embodiments are envisioned where the first zone 227A comprises different colors; one color on one side of the slot 137 and one color on the other side of slot 137. In at least one embodiment, the reference 226 divides the two colors. This allows the clinician to more accurately determine where the cutting member 160 traversed the implantable adjunct 220. For example, if the cutting member 160 incises the implantable adjunct 220 at a location other than the intended cut-line CL, the clinician will be able to see the first color and the second color on one side of the actual cut-line CL′. The clinician will then determine that the cutting member 160 did not incise the adjunct 220 along the intended cut-line CL.

Another alternative embodiment includes a reference system comprising lateral references, similar to those discussed above, which are positioned between and at least substantially parallel to each staple row. For example, a first lateral reference is positioned such that the first lateral reference corresponds to a position between the outer row of staples and the intermediate row of staples while a second lateral reference is positioned such that the second lateral reference corresponds to a position between the intermediate row of staples and the inner row of staples. If the staples purchase the adjunct 220 such that one or more formed staples cross, traverse, and/or capture, the first lateral reference and/or the second lateral reference, the clinician could easily determine that the adjunct 220 skewed laterally before it was implanted.

Referring now to FIGS. 7-11C, an adjunct 320 comprises a proximal edge 328P, a distal edge 328D, a deck-contacting surface 321, and a reference system 323. The reference system 323 is configured to allow a clinician to determine longitudinal skew of the adjunct 320 with respect to the staple cartridge 130 and/or staples 132, for example. This reference system 323 may be employed with other reference systems disclosed herein; however, for clarity, the reference system 323 is shown independently.

The reference system 323 is visible at least on the deck-contacting surface 321 of the adjunct 120. The reference system 323 is configured to display, or visually amplify, any longitudinal displacement of the adjunct 320 when implanted into a subject. A clinician can use the reference system 323 in a similar fashion to that of the other reference systems disclosed herein. The reference system 323 comprises a proximal reference 325 and a distal reference 326. The references 325, 326 are perpendicular, or at least substantially perpendicular, to the intended cut-line CL. The proximal reference 325 is disposed near the proximal edge 328P of the adjunct 320 and the distal reference 326 is disposed near the distal edge 328D of the adjunct 320. Embodiments are envisioned where the reference system 323 comprises one or more intermediate longitudinal references positioned between the proximal reference 325 and the distal reference 326. Other embodiments are envisioned where the reference system 323 comprises only one of the proximal reference 325 and the distal reference 326.

The proximal reference 325 and the distal reference 326 can act as a reference, or target indicator, for the clinician after firing the surgical stapling instrument. The proximal reference 325 is located proximal the proximal purchase datum PPD (discussed above). The distal reference 326 is located distal the distal purchase datum DPD (discussed above). The references 325, 326 define a proximal zone 327A, an intermediate zone 327B, and a distal zone 327C. The proximal zone 327A comprises the area, and/or volume, of the adjunct 320 disposed proximal the proximal reference 325. The intermediate zone 327B comprises the area, and/or volume, of the adjunct 320 disposed between the proximal reference 325 and the distal reference 326. The distal zone 327C comprises the area, and/or volume, of the adjunct 320 disposed distal of the distal reference 326. The proximal zone 327A comprises the proximal-most edge 128P of the adjunct 320. The distal zone 327C comprises the distal-most edge 128D of the adjunct 320. The proximal purchase datum PPD and the distal purchase datum DPD are located at least substantially in the intermediate zone 327B. In other words, the proximal purchase datum PPD is located proximal to the distal reference 326 and the distal purchase datum DPD is located distal to the proximal reference 325. Other embodiments are envisioned where the proximal purchase datum PPD is aligned with the proximal reference 325 and the distal purchase datum DPD is aligned with the distal reference 326.

In the scenario illustrated in FIG. 9, the staples 132 have captured the implantable adjunct 320 in the manner shown. The adjunct 320 was incised at least substantially along the intended cut-line CL. This scenario comprises a situation where all of the staples 132 captured the adjunct 320 in the intermediate zone 327B. Since none of the staples 132 captured the adjunct 320 and the tissue T in the proximal zone 327A or the distal zone 327C, the clinician can verify that the datum PPD, DPD remained between the references 325, 326. The clinician may then decide to reload the surgical instrument and proceed with the next part of the procedure.

In another scenario illustrated in FIG. 10, the staples 132 have captured the adjunct 320 in the manner shown. The adjunct 320 was incised at least substantially along the intended cut-line CL. In this scenario, some of the staples 132 purchased the adjunct 320 in the intermediate zone 327B and some of the staples 132 purchased the adjunct 320 in both the intermediate zone 327B and the distal zone 327C. In such an instance, a clinician can visibly identify that some of the staples 132 have purchased, or captured, the adjunct in the distal zone 327C and that the distal purchase datum DPD of the staples ended up distal to the distal reference 326 which can prompt the clinician to evaluate the staples 132, especially the staples 132 in the distal zone 327C. This information, easily identifiable using the reference system 323, can help the clinician determine whether further action is necessary.

When some of the staples 132 purchase the adjunct 320 in the distal zone 327C, a clinician may want to take this into consideration when aligning the surgical stapling instrument to perform a next step of the stapling operation. The distal reference 326 can act as an end-zone which is configured to help the clinician identify the end-of-cut EOC relative to the position of the implanted adjunct 320 and/or the staples 132. The end-of-cut EOC can be defined by the furthest point that the cutting member 160 incised the tissue T and the adjunct 320. Referring to FIGS. 11-11C, different scenarios are depicted where the implantable adjunct 320 employing the reference system 323 skews distally (FIG. 11A), skews proximally (FIG. 11B), and does not skew at all (FIG. 11C). Shown in FIG. 11, the distal reference 326 is at aligned with, and corresponds to, the end-of-cut EOC. FIG. 11A illustrates a scenario where the distal reference 326 has not been traversed by the cutting member 160. In this instance, the clinician may assume that the implanted adjunct 320 skewed distally, and/or stretched. FIG. 11B illustrates another scenario where the distal reference 326 has been traversed by the cutting member 160. In this instance, the clinician may assume that the implanted adjunct 320 skewed proximally, and/or shrunk. FIG. 11C illustrates a third scenario where the distal reference 326 is aligned, or is substantially aligned, with the end-of-cut. In this instance, the clinician may assume that the adjunct 320 did not skew longitudinally and that the adjunct 320 was implanted on target.

FIG. 12 depicts an implantable adjunct 400 comprising a woven material 421, a reference system 423 integrally woven into the adjunct 400, and a deck-contacting surface 424. The reference system 423, visible at least on the deck-contacting surface 424, comprises inner lateral references 426 and outer lateral references 425. The references 425, 426 are sewn into the woven material 421. Other embodiments are envisioned where the references 425, 426 are sewn into a non-woven material. Each reference 425, 426 may comprise a thread having a color which is different than the underlying material 421 to help the clinician readily identify the references 425, 426. The inner lateral references 426 may comprise a first color and the outer lateral references 425 may comprise a second color, wherein the first color is different than the second color. The threads used for the references 425, 426 may be dyed a specific color, or colors, before being sewn into the adjunct 400, for example. The threads comprising the references 425, 426 may be sewn into the material 421 and may be visible on both sides of the adjunct 420. In such an embodiment, the clinician could use the references 425, 426 before and after stapling the tissue.

FIG. 13 depicts an implantable adjunct 500 comprising a woven reference system 523 and a deck-contacting surface 524. The woven reference system 523 comprises outer lateral references 525A, 525B and an inner lateral reference 526. The inner lateral reference 526 is similar to that of the inner lateral reference 226 discussed above. In the scenario depicted in FIG. 13, the adjunct 500 moved laterally during the surgical stapling procedure. Since the inner lateral reference 526 corresponds to the intended cut-line CL, the clinician can easily determine lateral skew when the clinician sees some of the inner lateral reference 526 on one side of the actual cut-line CL′ and some of the inner lateral reference 526 on another side of the actual cut-line CL′.

Similar to the zones discussed above, the implantable adjunct 500 comprises different colors to visually amplify the zones of the adjunct. For example, the adjunct 500 comprises colors 530, 540, 550. The color 530 at least substantially covers the area of the deck-contacting surface 524 found laterally outward with respect to the outer references 525A, 525B. The color 540 at least substantially covers the area of the tissue-contacting surface 524 found between the outer lateral reference 525A and the inner lateral reference 526. The color 550 at least substantially covers the area of the tissue-contacting surface found between the outer lateral reference 525B and the inner lateral reference 526. Such colors allow the clinician to more accurately determine where the staples 132 captured the adjunct 520 and/or where the cutting member 160 traversed the implantable adjunct 520. For example, after firing the surgical stapling instrument and removing the instrument from the site to see the adjunct 500, the clinician may see the color 540 on one side of the actual cut-line and the color 550 on the other side of the actual cut-line. In this case, the clinician can determine that the cutting member 160 at least substantially cut the adjunct through the intended cut-line CL. If the clinician sees both colors 540, 550 on one side of the actual cut-line CL′, as illustrated in FIG. 13, the clinician can determine that the adjunct laterally skewed with respect to the staple cartridge 130.

An implantable adjunct 620 implanted into tissue T is depicted in FIG. 14. The implantable adjunct 620 comprises a reference system 623, outer edges 622, and an intended cut-line CL. The reference system 623 comprises staple row references 625 which are aligned with, or at least substantially aligned with, the rows of staple cavities 131A, 131B, 131C. The staple row references 625 correspond to the rows of staple cavities 131A, 131B, 131C such that a satisfactory implantation of the adjunct 620 comprises a situation where the staples 132 capture the adjunct 620 along the staple row references 625. A potentially unsatisfactory implantation of the adjunct 620, illustrated in FIG. 14, may comprise a situation where the row references 625 become misaligned with the staples 132. The reference system 623 allows a clinician to identify the misalignment of the formed staple rows 132A, 132B, 132C with respect to the staple row references 625 and determine whether further action is necessary. In at least one embodiment, for example, the reference system 623 comprises six longitudinal row references 625 which are aligned, or alignable, with six longitudinal rows of staples cavities and the staples stored therein. The longitudinal references 625 are straight to match the straight underlying longitudinal rows of staple cavities/staples; however, embodiments are envisioned in which the longitudinal references are curved to match curved underlying longitudinal rows of staple cavities/staples.

In various embodiments, the reference systems are directly dyed into and/or onto the implantable adjunct. For woven adjuncts, the references may be woven directly into the adjunct. Such references can comprise a dyed strand, for example, comprising the same or different material than the adjunct itself. VICRYL strands may be incorporated into an adjunct during a compression molding process. The VICRYL strands can be specifically positioned in the mold to correspond to the references discussed above. For adjuncts manufactured using an extrusion process, dye may be added to the extrusion process to directly dye the references onto the adjunct. The outer edges of an adjunct may also be dyed to provide further reference to a clinician in the event that the adjunct is not easily distinguishable from the tissue. For example, a translucent adjunct may occlude visibility through the adjunct when implanted into a subject. Dye, and/or paint, for example, can be applied to one or both sides of the adjunct to provide the references disclosed herein.

In various embodiments, a reference system may comprise pattern schemes to help a clinician further identify adjunct activity. One example of a pattern scheme may comprise reference circles, for example. The circles can be used to visually identify adjunct stretch. The circles would stretch to ovals, or shrink to ovals, which would be easily visible, or discernible, to a clinician. Other examples of pattern schemes include a zig-zag pattern that weaves around the staples or shapes that correspond to each of the staple's position. Other adjunct activity may comprise, for example, tearing, slipping, bunching, lifting, crumpling, folding, expansion, and/or contraction.

Methods for distinguishing the staples from the implantable adjunct may involve color-changing and/or material activated dye. The adjunct may be manufactured to include color-changing dye which can be activated by the staples, fluids in the subject, and/or features of the surgical instrument such as the cartridge deck, for example. For instance, an adjunct may comprise a first color configured to change to a second color upon contact with the material of the staples. This method may highlight, or emphasize, for example, the presence of the staples as, and/or after, the staples purchase the adjunct.

In order to amplify the visibility of the staples in an embodiment comprising a transparent adjunct, the adjunct may comprise an inner bladder and an outer body surrounding the inner bladder. The inner bladder may comprise a first color dye configured to be released upon the puncturing of the inner bladder by the staples. In at least one instance, the dye is configured to emerge from the adjunct and/or onto the staple legs to amplify the location of the staples with respect to the adjunct.

Other embodiments are envisioned where the anvil of the surgical instrument comprises features configured to stamp the references on the tissue-contacting surface of the adjunct.

EXAMPLES

Example 1—A staple cartridge system for use with a surgical stapling instrument, the staple cartridge system comprising a cartridge body including a longitudinal slot configured to receive a cutting member, a deck, and a plurality of staple cavities comprising an outer row of staple cavities and an inner row of staple cavities positioned adjacent the longitudinal slot. The staple cartridge system further comprises a plurality of staples removably stored within the staple cavities, wherein the staples are configured to be ejected from the staple cavities from an unfired position to a fired position, and an implantable adjunct positioned adjacent the deck, wherein the implantable adjunct is configured to be implanted into a subject when the staples are ejected from the staple cavities into the fired position, wherein the implantable adjunct comprises a reference system that defines a first zone and a second zone, and wherein the reference system is configured to assist a clinician in determining the position of the staples relative to the first zone and the second zone when the staples are in the fired position.

Example 2—The staple cartridge system of Example 1, wherein the reference system comprises a longitudinal reference positioned such that the clinician can determine the amount of longitudinal skew of the implantable adjunct by comparing the staples to the longitudinal reference when the staples are in the fired position.

Example 3—The staple cartridge system of Examples 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of staple cavities further comprises at least one distal-most cavity and at least one proximal-most cavity, wherein the at least one distal most-cavity defines a distal purchase datum and the at least one proximal-most cavity defines a proximal purchase datum, and wherein the distal purchase datum and the proximal purchase datum are positioned in the first zone when the staples are in the unfired position.

Example 4—The staple cartridge system of Examples 1, 2, or 3, wherein the reference system comprises a lateral reference positioned such that a clinician can determine the amount of lateral skew of the implantable adjunct by comparing the staples to the reference when the staples are in the fired position.

Example 5—The staple cartridge system of Example 4, wherein the cartridge body comprises an outer edge, wherein the outer row of staple cavities is positioned adjacent the outer edge, and wherein the lateral reference comprises a first reference positioned between the outer edge and the outer row of staple cavities.

Example 6—The staple cartridge system of Example 5, wherein the reference system further comprises a second reference positioned between the inner row of staple cavities and the slot.

Example 7—The staple cartridge system of Examples 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6, wherein the reference system comprises dye applied on the implantable adjunct.

Example 8—The staple cartridge system of Examples 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7, wherein the implantable adjunct comprises a woven material.

Example 9—The staple cartridge system of Example 8, wherein the reference comprises a colored strand woven into the woven material.

Example 10—The staple cartridge system of Examples 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9, wherein the implantable adjunct comprises a non-woven material.

Example 11—The staple cartridge system of Examples 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10, wherein the first zone comprises a first color and a second color, wherein the first color and the second color are divided by an intended cut-line, and wherein the cutting member is configured to incise the implantable adjunct along the intended cut-line.

Example 12—The staple cartridge system of Examples 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or 11, wherein the reference system comprises two inner lateral references, wherein the area between the two inner lateral references defines the second zone, and wherein the cutting member is configured to incise the implantable adjunct in the second zone.

Example 13—A staple cartridge system for use with a surgical stapling instrument, the staple cartridge system comprising a cartridge body including a longitudinal slot configured to receive a cutting member, a deck, and a plurality of staple cavities arranged in a plurality of longitudinal rows. The staple cartridge system further comprises a plurality of staples removably stored within the staple cavities, wherein the staples are configured to be ejected from the staple cavities into a fired position, and an implantable adjunct positioned above the deck, wherein the implantable adjunct is configured to be implanted into a subject when the staples are ejected from the staple cavities into the fired position, and wherein the implantable adjunct comprises a reference for determining the alignment of the plurality of staples relative to the implantable adjunct once the staples are in the fired position.

Example 14—The staple cartridge system of Example 13, wherein the plurality of staple cavities comprises an outer row of staple cavities and an inner row of staple cavities, wherein the inner row of staple cavities is adjacent the longitudinal slot, and wherein the reference system comprises a first reference corresponding to the inner row of staple cavities and a second reference corresponding to the outer row of staple cavities.

Example 15—The staple cartridge system of Examples 13 or 14, wherein the implantable adjunct comprises a woven material.

Example 16—The staple cartridge system of Examples 13, 14, or 15, wherein the implantable adjunct comprises a non-woven material.

Example 17—A surgical end effector system comprising a cutting member, a first jaw, a second jaw, wherein the first jaw is moveable relative to the second jaw, an anvil, and a staple cartridge including an outer edge portion, a plurality of staple cavities arranged in a plurality of rows, a plurality of staples configured to be ejected from the staple cavities, wherein the staples are arranged in an inner row of staples and an outer row of staples, and a slot, wherein the inner row of staples is positioned laterally outward with respect to the slot, and wherein the outer row of staples is positioned laterally outward with respect to the inner row of staples and laterally inward with respect to the outer edge. The end effector comprises an implantable adjunct, comprising a reference system defining a first zone and a second zone, wherein the first zone corresponds to the inner row of staples and the outer row of staples such that before the staples are ejected from the staple cavities, the first zone is above the inner row of the staples and the outer row of the staples, and wherein the second zone corresponds to the slot and the outer edge portion such that, before the staples are ejected from the staple cavities, the second zone is above the outer edge portion and the slot.

Example 18—The surgical end effector system of Example 17, wherein the first zone comprises a first color and the second zone comprises a second color which is different than the first color.

Example 19—The surgical end effector system of Examples 17 or 18, wherein the implantable layer comprises a non-woven material.

Example 20—The surgical end effector system of Examples 17, 18, or 19, wherein the implantable layer comprises a woven material.

Various embodiments are disclosed including adjuncts attached to and/or positioned on a staple cartridge. It should be understood that such teachings are applicable to embodiments in which an adjunct is attached to and/or positioned on an anvil of a surgical instrument. In fact, embodiments are envisioned in which a first adjunct is attached to and/or positioned on a cartridge and a second adjunct is attached to and/or positioned on an anvil.

The entire disclosures of:

U.S. Pat. No. 5,403,312, entitled ELECTROSURGICAL HEMOSTATIC DEVICE, which issued on Apr. 4, 1995;

U.S. Pat. No. 7,000,818, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING SEPARATE DISTINCT CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS, which issued on Feb. 21, 2006;

U.S. Pat. No. 7,422,139, entitled MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT WITH TACTILE POSITION FEEDBACK, which issued on Sep. 9, 2008;

U.S. Pat. No. 7,464,849, entitled ELECTRO-MECHANICAL SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH CLOSURE SYSTEM AND ANVIL ALIGNMENT COMPONENTS, which issued on Dec. 16, 2008;

U.S. Pat. No. 7,670,334, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVING AN ARTICULATING END EFFECTOR, which issued on Mar. 2, 2010;

U.S. Pat. No. 7,753,245, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS, which issued on Jul. 13, 2010;

U.S. Pat. No. 8,393,514, entitled SELECTIVELY ORIENTABLE IMPLANTABLE FASTENER CARTRIDGE, which issued on Mar. 12, 2013;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/343,803, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVING RECORDING CAPABILITIES; now U.S. Pat. No. 7,845,537;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/031,573, entitled SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT HAVING RF ELECTRODES, filed Feb. 14, 2008;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/031,873, entitled END EFFECTORS FOR A SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING INSTRUMENT, filed Feb. 15, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,980,443;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/235,782, entitled MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,210,411;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/249,117, entitled POWERED SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING APPARATUS WITH MANUALLY RETRACTABLE FIRING SYSTEM, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,608,045;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/647,100, entitled MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING INSTRUMENT WITH ELECTRIC ACTUATOR DIRECTIONAL CONTROL ASSEMBLY, filed Dec. 24, 2009; now U.S. Pat. No. 8,220,688;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/893,461, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE, filed Sep. 29, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,733,613;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/036,647, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT, filed Feb. 28, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,561,870;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/118,241, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,072,535;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/524,049, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A FIRING DRIVE, filed on Jun. 15, 2012; now U.S. Pat. No. 9,101,358;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/800,025, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM, filed on Mar. 13, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,345,481;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/800,067, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM, filed on Mar. 13, 2013, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263552;

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0175955, entitled SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT WITH CLOSURE TRIGGER LOCKING MECHANISM, filed Jan. 31, 2006; and

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0264194, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT WITH AN ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTOR, filed Apr. 22, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,308,040, are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

Although the various embodiments of the devices have been described herein in connection with certain disclosed embodiments, many modifications and variations to those embodiments may be implemented. Also, where materials are disclosed for certain components, other materials may be used. Furthermore, according to various embodiments, a single component may be replaced by multiple components, and multiple components may be replaced by a single component, to perform a given function or functions. The foregoing description and following claims are intended to cover all such modification and variations.

The devices disclosed herein can be designed to be disposed of after a single use, or they can be designed to be used multiple times. In either case, however, the device can be reconditioned for reuse after at least one use. Reconditioning can include any combination of the steps of disassembly of the device, followed by cleaning or replacement of particular pieces, and subsequent reassembly. In particular, the device can be disassembled, and any number of the particular pieces or parts of the device can be selectively replaced or removed in any combination. Upon cleaning and/or replacement of particular parts, the device can be reassembled for subsequent use either at a reconditioning facility, or by a surgical team immediately prior to a surgical procedure. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that reconditioning of a device can utilize a variety of techniques for disassembly, cleaning/replacement, and reassembly. Use of such techniques, and the resulting reconditioned device, are all within the scope of the present application.

By way of example only, aspects described herein may be processed before surgery. First, a new or used instrument may be obtained and when necessary cleaned. The instrument may then be sterilized. In one sterilization technique, the instrument is placed in a closed and sealed container, such as a plastic or TYVEK bag. The container and instrument may then be placed in a field of radiation that can penetrate the container, such as gamma radiation, x-rays, or high-energy electrons. The radiation may kill bacteria on the instrument and in the container. The sterilized instrument may then be stored in the sterile container. The sealed container may keep the instrument sterile until it is opened in a medical facility. A device also may be sterilized using any other technique known in the art, including but not limited to beta or gamma radiation, ethylene oxide, plasma peroxide, or steam.

While this invention has been described as having exemplary designs, the present invention may be further modified within the spirit and scope of the disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles.

Any patent, publication, or other disclosure material, in whole or in part, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein is incorporated herein only to the extent that the incorporated materials does not conflict with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth in this disclosure. As such, and to the extent necessary, the disclosure as explicitly set forth herein supersedes any conflicting material incorporated herein by reference. Any material, or portion thereof, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein, but which conflicts with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth herein will only be incorporated to the extent that no conflict arises between that incorporated material and the existing disclosure material. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A staple cartridge system for use with a surgical stapling instrument, said staple cartridge system comprising: a cartridge body, comprising: a longitudinal slot configured to receive a cutting member; a deck; and a plurality of staple cavities, comprising: an outer row of staple cavities; and an inner row of staple cavities positioned adjacent said longitudinal slot; and a plurality of staples removably stored within said staple cavities, wherein said staples are configured to be ejected from said staple cavities from an unfired position to a fired position; and an implantable adjunct positioned adjacent said deck, wherein said implantable adjunct is configured to be implanted into a subject when said staples are ejected from said staple cavities into said fired position, wherein said implantable adjunct comprises a reference system that defines a first zone and a second zone, and wherein said reference system is configured to assist a clinician in determining the position of said staples relative to said first zone and said second zone when said staples are in said fired position.
 2. The staple cartridge system of claim 1, wherein said reference system comprises a longitudinal reference positioned such that the clinician can determine the amount of longitudinal skew of said implantable adjunct by comparing said staples to said longitudinal reference when said staples are in said fired position.
 3. The staple cartridge system of claim 2, wherein said plurality of staple cavities further comprises at least one distal-most cavity and at least one proximal-most cavity, wherein said at least one distal most-cavity defines a distal purchase datum and said at least one proximal-most cavity defines a proximal purchase datum, and wherein said distal purchase datum and said proximal purchase datum are positioned in said first zone when said staples are in said unfired position.
 4. The staple cartridge system of claim 1, wherein said reference system comprises a lateral reference positioned such that a clinician can determine the amount of lateral skew of said implantable adjunct by comparing said staples to said reference when said staples are in said fired position.
 5. The staple cartridge system of claim 4, wherein said cartridge body comprises an outer edge, wherein said outer row of staple cavities is positioned adjacent said outer edge, and wherein said lateral reference comprises a first reference positioned between said outer edge and said outer row of staple cavities.
 6. The staple cartridge system of claim 5, wherein said reference system further comprises a second reference positioned between said inner row of staple cavities and said slot.
 7. The staple cartridge system of claim 1, wherein said reference system comprises dye applied on said implantable adjunct.
 8. The staple cartridge system of claim 1, wherein said implantable adjunct comprises a woven material.
 9. The staple cartridge system of claim 8, wherein said reference comprises a colored strand woven into said woven material.
 10. The staple cartridge system of claim 1, wherein said implantable adjunct comprises a non-woven material.
 11. The staple cartridge system of claim 1, wherein said first zone comprises a first color and a second color, wherein said first color and said second color are divided by an intended cut-line, and wherein said cutting member is configured to incise said implantable adjunct along the intended cut-line.
 12. The staple cartridge system of claim 1, wherein said reference system comprises two inner lateral references, wherein the area between the two inner lateral references defines said second zone, and wherein said cutting member is configured to incise said implantable adjunct in said second zone.
 13. A staple cartridge system for use with a surgical stapling instrument, said staple cartridge system comprising: a cartridge body, comprising: a longitudinal slot configured to receive a cutting member; a deck; and a plurality of staple cavities arranged in a plurality of longitudinal rows; a plurality of staples removably stored within said staple cavities, wherein said staples are configured to be ejected from said staple cavities into a fired position; and an implantable adjunct positioned above said deck, wherein said implantable adjunct is configured to be implanted into a subject when said staples are ejected from said staple cavities into said fired position, and wherein said implantable adjunct comprises a reference for determining the alignment of said plurality of staples relative to said implantable adjunct once said staples are in said fired position.
 14. The staple cartridge system of claim 13, wherein said plurality of staple cavities comprises an outer row of staple cavities and an inner row of staple cavities, wherein said inner row of staple cavities is adjacent said longitudinal slot, and wherein said reference system comprises a first reference corresponding to said inner row of staple cavities and a second reference corresponding to said outer row of staple cavities.
 15. The staple cartridge system of claim 13, wherein said implantable adjunct comprises a woven material.
 16. The staple cartridge system of claim 13, wherein said implantable adjunct comprises a non-woven material.
 17. A surgical end effector system, comprising: a cutting member; a first jaw; a second jaw, wherein said first jaw is moveable relative to said second jaw; an anvil; a staple cartridge, comprising: an outer edge portion; a plurality of staple cavities arranged in a plurality of rows; a plurality of staples configured to be ejected from said staple cavities, wherein said staples are arranged in an inner row of staples and an outer row of staples; and a slot, wherein said inner row of staples is positioned laterally outward with respect to said slot, and wherein said outer row of staples is positioned laterally outward with respect to said inner row of staples and laterally inward with respect to said outer edge; an implantable adjunct, comprising a reference system defining a first zone and a second zone, wherein said first zone corresponds to said inner row of staples and said outer row of staples such that before said staples are ejected from said staple cavities, said first zone is above said inner row of said staples and said outer row of said staples; and wherein said second zone corresponds to said slot and said outer edge portion such that, before said staples are ejected from said staple cavities, said second zone is above said outer edge portion and said slot.
 18. The surgical end effector system of claim 17, wherein said first zone comprises a first color and said second zone comprises a second color which is different than said first color.
 19. The surgical end effector system of claim 17, wherein said implantable layer comprises a non-woven material.
 20. The surgical end effector system of claim 17, wherein said implantable layer comprises a woven material. 